Jury System

The Circuit Clerk is responsible for the administration and management of the Jury System for the Circuit Court. Under the direction of the Court, the Clerk creates the master list of prospective jurors, randomly selects panels for attendance, qualifies and summons the jurors, participates in jury orientation and monitors attendance and mileage for reimbursement purposes. The Circuit Clerk is required to provide jury panels for the Magistrate Courts.

There are two types of juries:

1. GRAND JURY:

A Grand Jury issues indictments for criminal offenses. It only finds probable cause it does not find guilt or innocence. The Grand Jury is made up of sixteen (16) members. It meets at the beginning of each term of court.

2. PETIT JURY:

A Petit Jury in criminal cases determines guilt or innocence. A guilty finding must be by unanimous vote. Twelve (12) persons sit on a criminal jury. A Petit Jury in civil cases decides between a plaintiff and defendant as to disagreements that have arisen between parties. They must also be unanimous in their decision